public support for energy reform in colorado
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Public Support for Energy Reform in Colorado. Survey Results. Survey Methodology. Live telephone interviews among Colorado likely voters, conducted February 11 – 16, 2010 500 respondents Survey results are subject to a +/- 4.4 percent margin of error. Key Findings. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
March, 2010
Public Support for Energy Reform in ColoradoSurvey Results
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 2 |
Survey Methodology
Live telephone interviews among Colorado likely voters, conducted February 11 – 16, 2010
500 respondents
Survey results are subject to a +/- 4.4 percent margin of error
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 3 |
Key Findings
Voters want to see action from Congress on energy reform.
An energy reform bill that includes carbon pricing is popular among Colorado voters.
Majorities believe at the outset that the energy reform bill will help the economy, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign energy.
Proponents of energy reform must to win the economic debate—which we CAN, but it is a key battleground on which we have to fight.
After a balanced debate support for the energy bill holds with 55 – 41 percent in favor.
The biggest challenge to energy reform is with the public’s concerns about government, not concerns about specific energy policies.
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 4 |
Political Landscape
March, 2010
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Republicans and Independents Think the Country is on the Wrong Track
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Right direction Wrong Track
Generally speaking, do you think that things in this country are going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track?
33
63
90
71
30
64
9
23
0 20 40 60 80 100
Republican
Independent
Democrat
Partisan Fault Lines: Country Direction
March, 2010
50 48
38
49
3633
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Barack Obama Mark Udall Michael Bennet
Approve Disapprove
Please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of how each person is handling their job?
Voters Divided on Obama and Bennet
March, 2010
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20 20
0
20
40
60
Bennet Norton
Strong Bennet Weak BennetStrong Norton Weak Norton
Bennet and Norton Virtually Even in Race for Senate, But Support is Soft for Both Candidates
Thinking about the election for U.S. Senate in November 2010, if the candidates were Democrat Michael Bennet and Republican Jane Norton – for whom would you vote, Democrat Michael Bennet or Republican Jane Norton?
45
46
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 8 |
Public Support for Energy Reform
March, 2010
46
72
54
50
47
43
84
89
73
83
68
79
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Reform healthcare
Reform our energy policy and create clean energy jobs
Reform Wall Street and the financial system
Reform the immigration system
Reform our energy policy and cut our dependence on foreignoil
Create jobs to help economic growth
Very important Somewhat important
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 9 | Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 9 |
Legislation to Reform Energy and Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil High on List of Priorities for Congress
Now I'm going to read you a list of issues. For each one, please tell me how important is it for congress and the president to pass legislation on the following issues in the next six months: Is it very important, somewhat important, a little important or not at all important?
Legislation to…
March, 2010
57
62
45
70
15
38 67
96
75
83
92
53
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Republicans
Independents
Democrats
Republicans
Independents
Democrats
Very important Somewhat important
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 10 | Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 10 |
Majorities Across the Political Spectrum Think Energy Reform is a PriorityLegislation to reform our energy policy and cut our dependence on foreign oil
Legislation to reform our energy policy and create clean energy jobs
March, 2010
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26 29
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total Favor Total Oppose
Strongly Favor Somewhat FavorStrongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose
Energy Reform Bill Has Majority Support in ColoradoNow I am going to read you some information about the energy bill that the House of Representatives passed. After I read this information, please tell me whether you favor or oppose the energy bill.
56
41
This energy bill will put limits on pollution and greenhouse gases, and invest in alternative energy sources. This energy bill is what some have called a "cap and trade" system - which creates financial incentives for utilities and other companies to encourage them to use and produce alternative energy like wind and solar, in part, by putting a price on carbon emissions from energy sources like oil and coal.
March, 2010
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88
4531
9
6354
0
20
40
60
80
100
Democrats Independents Republicans
Total Favor Total Oppose
Now I am going to read you some information about the energy bill that the House of Representatives passed. After I read this information, please tell me whether you favor or oppose the energy bill.
This energy bill will put limits on pollution and greenhouse gases, and invest in alternative energy sources. This energy bill is what some have called a "cap and trade" system - which creates financial incentives for utilities and other companies to encourage them to use and produce alternative energy like wind and solar, in part, by putting a price on carbon emissions from energy sources like oil and coal.
Unusual Coalition Drives Support for Energy Reform
68
13
28
85
0 20 40 60 80
McCainIndependents
ObamaIndependents
Independent Fault Line
March, 2010
5344
67
5545
53
4152
30
43
0
20
40
60
80
West East Denver Metro Swing Suburbs Colorado SpringsArea
Favor Oppose
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 13 |
Energy Reform Bill Strong in Denver Metro and Swing Suburban Areas
Now I am going to read you some information about the energy bill that the House of Representatives passed. After I read this information, please tell me whether you favor or oppose the energy bill.
This energy bill will put limits on pollution and greenhouse gases, and invest in alternative energy sources. This energy bill is what some have called a "cap and trade" system - which creates financial incentives for utilities and other companies to encourage them to use and produce alternative energy like wind and solar, in part, by putting a price on carbon emissions from energy sources like oil and coal.
March, 2010
1526
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total Help Total Hurt
Hurt somewhat moreHurt much moreCreate somewhat moreCreate much more
19 23
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total Create Total Cost
Cost somewhat moreCost much moreCreate somewhat moreCreate much more
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 14 |
Majority of Voters Believe the Energy Reform Bill Will Help the Economy and Create Jobs
From what you’ve heard, do you think the energy bill will help the economy in Colorado or hurt the economy in Colorado?
51
40
From what you’ve heard, do you think the energy bill will help the economy in Colorado or hurt the economy in Colorado?
55
38
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 15 |
Overwhelming Majority Believes It Will Cut Dependence
1811
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total Reduce Total Increase
Increase somewhat moreIncrease much moreReduce somewhat moreReduce much more
From what you’ve heard, do you think the energy bill will reduce our dependence on foreign energy or increase our dependence on foreign energy?
63
25
35
35
8
87
47
53
0 20 40 60 80 100
Republican
Independent
Democrat
Partisan Fault Lines: Total Reduce vs. Increase
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 16 |
Energy Reform Prevails on Key Debate Points
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 17 |
60
37
0
20
40
60
Current Policy Unacceptable / Change Direction vs. Bill Will Make Our Problems Worse
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
Voters Come Down on the Side of Change
I’m more concerned that our current energy policy is unacceptable, and we need to change direction.
OR | I’m more concerned that this bill will take us in the wrong direction and will make our energy problems worse
Now I’m going to read you some pairs of statements about the energy bill being debated by Congress. After I read each pair, please tell me which statement you agree with more.
March, 2010
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55 58
38 37
0
20
40
60
Recharge our Economy vs. Kill Jobs Reduce Oil Dependence vs. Kill Jobs
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
Arguments That the Bill Will Kill Jobs Don’t Stand Up to the Idea of Recharging the Economy or Cutting Foreign Oil
We spend a billion dollars a day on foreign oil. This bill reduces our dependence on foreign oil, so we invest that money here instead of continuing to send it overseas. It puts America back in control of its own energy situation and creates clean energy jobs and industries right here in America.
OR | Colorado relies on its oil and gas for electricity and jobs. This bill will make oil and gas too expensive to produce, destroying local industries, putting thousands of people in Colorado out of work and damaging the entire state's economy.
This proposal will help recharge Colorado's economy, and allow Colorado to become a leader in clean, alternative energy. Colorado can take the lead to produce new energy, build businesses and create American jobs. Experts say this proposal will create thirty-thousand Colorado jobs that can't be outsourced.
OR | This bill constitutes a huge expansion of government control over American business, just when government is already taking over banks, auto companies, and other parts of our economy, including health care. We cannot afford more government regulation in our energy policy.
OR | This bill is a job killer. It will cost America millions of jobs, including three million manufacturing jobs in the next two decades. It will make it harder for Colorado’s businesses to succeed by adding unnecessary regulations and higher energy costs, something we cannot afford right now.
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 19 |
5460
4234
0
20
40
60
Global Competitiveness vs Big Government Impact on Local Industry
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
Energy Reform Bill Prevails in the Economic Debate – both in terms of the National Economy and the Local Economy
Colorado is a leader in innovative new technologies, and we are positioned to be one of the leading centers for clean energy technology, including solar, wind and natural gas. This bill will accelerate the creation of new American jobs and keep Colorado at the forefront of this emerging industry.
OR | Colorado relies on its oil and gas for electricity and jobs. This bill will make oil and gas too expensive to produce, destroying local industries, putting thousands of people in Colorado out of work and damaging the entire state's economy.
Ensuring that the U.S. provides incentives for clean energy will ensure that America doesn’t lose jobs in clean energy industries to countries like India and China. By leading the world in the critical new industry of our time, we can create millions of new American jobs.
OR | This bill constitutes a huge expansion of government control over American business, just when government is already taking over banks, auto companies, and other parts of our economy, including health care. We cannot afford more government regulation in our energy policy.
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 20 |
5649
4248
0
20
40
60
Worth the Short Term Cost vs. Will Hurt theEconomy
Worth the Short Term Cost vs. Will Hurt theEconomy
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
Most Voters Agree that Short Term Costs are Worth the Long Term BenefitsThis bill may have short term costs, but given that energy prices keep going up, it is something we need to do for the long-term to create new jobs reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
OR | At a time of high unemployment, this bill will cost families too much now and hurt our economy in the long-term and we should not do it.
Total Independents
March, 2010
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Energy Reform Holds Its Own on Costs and Economic Concerns
March, 2010
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52 5042 45
0
20
40
60
Short Term Cost for Long Term Benefit vs.Hidden Energy Tax
Short Term Cost for Long Term Benefit vs.Hidden Energy Tax
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
Bill Proponents Hold Their Own on Costs and TaxesWith the technology we already have today, we can do this for modest costs, about fifteen dollars a month per family. This is a short term cost that is well worth the long term benefits of changing our energy policies to get American running on clean energy and save money on energy our costs down the road.
OR | This is a giant spending proposal paid for by a hidden energy tax that will raise the cost of gasoline and electricity on Colorado families by three thousand dollars per year. People who are already struggling will pay more in higher utility costs and gas prices every time they flip a switch or put gas in their car.
Total Independents
March, 2010
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5344
0
20
40
60
Right Time vs. Wrong Time
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
Most Voters Still Come Down on the Side of Change Despite Recession ConcernsThis is the right time to reform our energy policy because it will boost economic growth to help us out of recession.
OR | This is the wrong time to reform our energy policy because the costs would be too high to bear in the middle of a recession.
March, 2010
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Challenges Remain, But Support for Energy Reform Holds Up
March, 2010
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4338
5854
0
20
40
60
Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil w ith EnergyReform vs. Explore for More Energy in America
Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil w ith EnergyReform vs. Explore for More Energy in America
Total First Statement Total Second Statement
An Appeal for More and Broader Domestic Energy Production Remains a Strong Debate Point
We spend a billion dollars a day on foreign oil. This bill reduces our dependence on foreign oil, so we invest that money here instead of continuing to send it overseas. It puts America back in control of its own energy situation and creates clean energy jobs and industries right here in America.
OR | The best way to reduce our dependency on foreign oil is to explore for more sources of energy here in America. That means more alternatives, but also more domestic oil production, more natural gas and more nuclear energy. And we should NOT heavily tax coal which is our cheapest, most abundant source of energy
Total Independents
March, 2010
45 4252 54
0
20
40
60
Pass Energy Reform vs. Congress ShouldFocus on the Economy
Pass Energy Reform vs. Congress Doing TooMuch Spending
Total First Statement Total Second Statement Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 26 |
Public Concern about Congress and Government Performance Holds People Back from Embracing Reform
OR | We should not pass energy reform this year because Congress is already doing too much big government spending and we need to get the deficit under control.
OR | Congress is already taking on too many other issues, like healthcare, and should focus on the economy and jobs instead of taking on energy reform this year.
We should pass energy reform this year because we need to get America running on clean energy and create good clean energy jobs.
March, 2010
20
65
1
3
5
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
No Global Warming
Technology
Timing/Priorities
Anti-Government
EconomicEconomic Can’t afford it right now / Too costly
Will kill jobs / increase unemployment
Will raise taxes
Will harm the economy
Anti-Government Government takeover / expansion of government Don’t trust the government
*Will sum to more than 100%
However, Economic and Cost Concerns Dominate OppositionFrom what you heard, what stood out as the best reason to OPPOSE the energy bill?
Types of Responses
March, 2010
5
9
26
39
12
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Good investment
Good forEnvironment
Promote cleanenergy
ReduceDependence
EconomicEconomic Will create jobs
Helps the economy Put Colorado at the forefront of technology
Reduce Dependence / Clean Energy Reduce dependence on foreign oil
Energy independence
Take control of our energy
*Will sum to more than 100%
Economic Benefits and Reduced Dependence through Alternatives Top of Mind of Those in FavorFrom what you heard, what stood out as the best reason to FAVOR the energy bill?
Types of Responses
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 29 |
56 55
45 4550
54
41 41
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Initial Vote Post DebateVote
Initial Vote Post DebateVote
Total Favor Total Oppose
Support for Energy Reform Bill Holds After Vigorous DebateNow I am going to read you some information about the energy bill that the House of Representatives passed. After I read this information, please tell me whether you favor or oppose the energy bill.
Total Independents
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 30 |
Energy Reform and the 2010 Colorado Senate Race
March, 2010
45 42
5545
29
66
4750
3446
0
20
40
60
80
West East Denver Metro Northern SwingSuburbs
Central
Bennet Norton
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 31 |
Bennet Competitive in Most Areas of the StateThinking about the election for U.S. Senate in November 2010, if the candidates were Democrat Michael Bennet and Republican Jane Norton – for whom would you vote, Democrat Michael Bennet or Republican Jane Norton?
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 32 |
39
5249
37
0
20
40
60
Vote Against the Energy Legislation Vote For the Energy Legislation
Total More Likely to SupportTotal Less Likely to Support
More Voters Prefer that Bennet Vote for Energy ReformFrom what you just heard, if your Senator voted FOR this energy legislation, would that make you -- more likely to re-elect your senator, or less likely to re-elect your senator?
From what you just heard, if your Senator voted AGAINST this energy legislation, would that make you -- more likely to re-elect your senator, or less likely to re-elect your senator?
March, 2010
Greenberg Quinlan RosnerPage 33 |
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